DIRECTIONS: From the Arch Rock entrance station at Yosemite National Park, drive east into the valley for 11.6 miles to the day-use parking lot at Curry Village. From there, ride the free Yosemite Valley shuttle bus to Happy Isles, stop number 16.

Half Dome is an epic hike that many people feel they have to do at least once in their life. It is filed with hikers, about 500 a day, during the summer even though it is a very demanding climb. A majority of people complete the hike in a day and a few people backpack in and spend the night in Little Yosemite Valley.

Plan to start the trail as early as possible and aim to leave the summit early as well. It will take around 10 hours to hike the entire round-trip and some take even longer. It is also important to be well prepared for a long and arduous hike by having plenty of food and water, sturdy hiking boots, extra socks, blister-repair first aid equipment, and rain gear.

The adventure begins at Happy Isles and leads up either the John Muir Trail or the Mist Trail up the Merced River to the top of Nevada Fall. The obvious trail is the Mist Trail because it is shorter, but steeper, and more scenic as it travels along the river passing both Vernal and Nevada falls nearly 2,000 feet up.

The Half Dome route continues uphill from the top of Nevada Fall on the John Muir Trail on the north side of the Merced River. It enters Little Yosemite Valley and the crowded backpackers’ camp, 4.6 miles from the trailhead. Continue on the John Muir Trail for approximately two miles to a junction where it splits off from the Half Dome Trail. Head left for Half Dome through forests until the trees cleared and the serious ascent begins.

A series of granite stair-steps lead to the top of a smaller dome alongside Half Dome. Walk across this dome to reach the start of the infamous Half Dome cable climb. Most people do fine until this point. Anyone with a fear of heights will be terrified of climb up the 45-degree exposed granite surface. There is little room for error, either on your part or someone else, and turning around halfway up is not really an option. A pile of work gloves are usually available to protect your hands from the 200-yard steel cables and improve your grip.

You will be so thrilled that you made it to the 8,842-foot summit that you will forget your aching legs and arms. On a clear day, all of Yosemite Valley is in view, plus Clouds Rest, the Quarter Domes, Tenaya Canyon, the rounded dome of Mount Starr King, and the distinctive Cathedral Peak. There is plenty of room at the summit to enjoy the view and your accomplishments before you muster the courage to descend on the cables.

Reference:
Brown, A. M., 1999. Day-hiking California’s National Parks, Foghorn Press: Santa Rosa, California.